Moving

Sorry for my extended absence. A lot has happened in the past 10 months and life is very different. I quit school, I started my own business, and I’ve started and stopped several blogs. You can read about the beginning of my brand new journey here and keep up to date with the rest of my projects in my new blog space here. The new journal space combines work and play as well as daily inspiration. I’m working on letting go and simplifying. I’m still knitting and making. And I’ve still got big plans and even bigger ideas.

So, please, update your links and keep following.

Thanks,
Kate

Simple Socks

I purchased the yarn for these socks several years ago before I’d even attempted knitting a sock. It reminded me of my father and I decided then and there that one day I would knit him a pair of socks.

Several years later, I’m finally beginning to warm up to sock knitting. From the start of my foray into sock knitting I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect, simple sock pattern. Having found nothing, I decided to attempt my own. This is the result.

Pattern: My own
Yarn: Universal Yarn Pace in 18 Moss
Needles: US 2 DPNs
Made for: Dad!
Notes: These were very simple to make. Much of them were made during my composition class last semester.
Raveled here.

Here’s hoping he will get lots of use out of them.

Mystery + Manners

I have finally taken the time to block and photograph this pair of mittens that have been well off the needles for some time now. I made them to replace a rather delightful pair that my aunt gave me over seven years ago that now sport holes in the thumbs. These were a joy to knit and my second true color-work project.

On to the specifics!

Pattern: Mystery + Manners by Spillyjane
Yarn: Sweet Georgia Superwash Sock in Ginger + Tourmaline
Needles: US 2 DPNs
Made for: Me!
Notes: This yarn is absolutely wonderful to knit with and the color is so rich. I would definitely knit this pattern again.

Golden Bits

Just a little project I’m working on…

Finished Surprises

This was the gift that Matt got me for Christmas. He commissioned some of his friends to help make this custom spinning wheel for me. He knows me so well. I’m very excited to try it out .

 

Mitts With Owls On

Pattern: Muffole con gufo / fingerless gloves with owl by Maria Chiara Capuani
Yarn: Cascade Yarns 128 Chunky Solid / Tweed
Needles: US 7
Made for: Monique for her birthday

Several weeks ago my friend, Monique, sent me a link to these gloves. She oohed and aahed over their cuteness and hinted that she would like a pair. Seeing that her birthday was close at hand, I thought I would oblige .

The pattern for these mitts has you knit them flat. Preferring to knit in the round whenever possible, I converted the pattern to do so. This pattern is very quick and easy. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get a photo of the mitts after I added the eyes (this lack of finished object photos is becoming a habit), which are simple French knots made in a contrasting yarn.

Monique loved the mitts and received them just in time to wear on a birthday trip to Chicago with her boyfriend. Happy birthday, Monique!

Brass + Steam

Pattern: The Age of Brass & Steam Kerchief by Orange Flower
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light in Salt & Pepper
Needles: US 8
Made for: Me!

This kerchief is so wonderful and warm. It’s perfect. I wear on campus when I’m dashing to class on frosty mornings (which have started to make an appearance here in SE Michigan). The pattern is really simple and straightforward. It’s enough to keep you interested, but still nice to work on when watching television or reading a book.

I used a finer yarn than called for so I added two extra pattern repeats. Because I am so busy with school this lovely, little kerchief sat patiently waiting for me to block it for several months. Once the temperatures started to drop I thought it was time to forget about blocking wires and throw the baby on the ironing board and steam the hell out of it. This worked just fine and I recommend this method to anyone who doesn’t own blocking wires or, like me, doesn’t have the time for them*. It makes your finished piece look all the more finished and professional.

*This method works best on natural fibers. If using acrylic or acrylic blend yarn, proceed with caution. You don’t want to melt all your hard work.

Anyway, on with the photos!